Roy, K. (2010). Safer science. The Science Teacher, 77(4), 10-11.
Ken Roy’s article titled “Safer Science” poses a likely occurrence within the science classroom. Teachers prepare an experiment that they deem safe, and yet accidents happen and students injure themselves. Angry parents may take this to the next level and sue the school district on account of failure to teach safety instruction and maintain supervision. Of course laboratory experiments do present certain dangers, but this is where the teacher must step up and assume their duty of care. As the article states, teachers must “provide prior warning of any hazards,” “provide active supervision,” and among others, “ensure that the place of activity is as safe as reasonably possible.” Science teachers must always keep in mind the safety of their students when preparing a lab and subsequently, when executing it in the classroom. They have a legal duty of care to students and so taking the proper precautions will help avoid legal issues, while keeping students and teachers safe.
Looking from the teaching point of view, this article is very thought provoking. It offers a glimpse at the legal side of teaching and the responsibilities that teachers assume when conducting activities within the science classroom. As science teachers we not only have to prepare the instruments needed to conduct an experiment, we must consider the possible hazards associated with each instrument and its use within the procedures. Moreover, we must convey these warnings to students and teach safety training prior to the activity. I think that this adds more stress to organizing a successful lesson plan because if everything isn’t done right, it’s our job that is on the line. I’m glad I read this article because it made me aware of a key aspect of science- safety.
Roy, K. (2010). Safer science. The Science Teacher, 77(4), 10-11.
Ken Roy’s article titled “Safer Science” poses a likely occurrence within the science classroom. Teachers prepare an experiment that they deem safe, and yet accidents happen and students injure themselves. Angry parents may take this to the next level and sue the school district on account of failure to teach safety instruction and maintain supervision. Of course laboratory experiments do present certain dangers, but this is where the teacher must step up and assume their duty of care. As the article states, teachers must “provide prior warning of any hazards,” “provide active supervision,” and among others, “ensure that the place of activity is as safe as reasonably possible.” Science teachers must always keep in mind the safety of their students when preparing a lab and subsequently, when executing it in the classroom. They have a legal duty of care to students and so taking the proper precautions will help avoid legal issues, while keeping students and teachers safe.
Looking from the teaching point of view, this article is very thought provoking. It offers a glimpse at the legal side of teaching and the responsibilities that teachers assume when conducting activities within the science classroom. As science teachers we not only have to prepare the instruments needed to conduct an experiment, we must consider the possible hazards associated with each instrument and its use within the procedures. Moreover, we must convey these warnings to students and teach safety training prior to the activity. I think that this adds more stress to organizing a successful lesson plan because if everything isn’t done right, it’s our job that is on the line. I’m glad I read this article because it made me aware of a key aspect of science- safety.
Emily H.